Joniston (right) meeting with Zakri.
LONDON: Malaysian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Datuk Zakri Jaafar has recommended that Sabah embraces a more nature-oriented approach in its tourism efforts.
He emphasised that feedback from UK holidaymakers indicates a strong preference for immersing themselves in rural settings and unspoiled natural beauty.
“Sabah’s Rural Community Based Tourism is a remarkable asset, and the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) should actively promote it to the UK market,” he stressed.
Zakri said this to State Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai after a briefing at the Malaysian Embassy here Sunday.
The briefing on Malaysia’s participation in the three-day World Tourism Market (WTM) London 2023, was conducted by Senior Director of Tourism Malaysia (International/AERO Market) Iskandar Mirza.
Malaysia is among 180 countriea participating in the world’s travel trade. During the briefing, the Malaysian delegation was also given an insights into UK tourism prospects.
Joniston, who is also Chairman of Sabah Tourism Board (STB), expressed his gratitude for the support from the Malaysian Embassy and Tourism Malaysia’s London Office in promoting Sabah.
Joniston is leading a delegation from Sabah, comprising nine tour companies, at WTM, which commenced today at EXCEL London.
The delegation includes Chairman of Sri Pelancongan Sabah Ken Pan; STB CEO Noredah Othman, Sabah Parks Director Dr Maklarin Lakim and Sabapak Eco General Manager Remysta Taylor.
The highlight of Sabah’s participation at WTM is the international unveiling of Sabah’s UNESCO triple crown achievement.
On Sunday, Joniston and Noredah also attended an exclusive dinner hosted by the Cable News Network (CNN).
